Music therapy is emerging as an inexpensive, non-pharmacological alternative to drug therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Several studies have identified the potential of music therapy to improve cognitive functions in patients at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease progression. However, existing reviews do not specifically evaluate the many music therapy techniques available from the perspective of a professional musician. Methods of music therapy vary in music choices, familiarity and level of participation. As such, this review aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of music therapy on cognitive function and any parameters that maximise efficacy. A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines with studies published between 2010 and 2025 across nine databases. Thirty-four major studies examined the effects of music therapy on cognition in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Across the literature, music therapy significantly improved cognition, attention and executive function, self-awareness and perception, and short-term, working, verbal and motor memory. Thus, recent literature demonstrates beneficial impacts of music therapy on cognition in Alzheimer’s disease. Active music therapy techniques were the most effective, involving singing and rhythm exercises, and familiar and preferred music. Ultimately, music therapy is recommended as an early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment to prevent further cognitive decline.
Su et al. (2026) studied this question.